College Football 2006 Week 12: Rivalry Road Trip (Part 1 of 2)!

[JohnBM01]

"I hate your school. I hate everything about your school. Your team is crap. I go to a much better school than you. What the hell were your parents thinking sending you to that sorry ass school? My school, compared to your pathetic school, is much better. Great teachers. Lovely campus. And oh yeah- my school's team can beat the crap out of your ANY DAY OF THE WEEK! Trust me. Yeah, I'm confident. But that's only because I'm telling the truth. What? You got a problem with my school and my people? Then let's settle this on the football field! We'll whip your asses from end zone to end zone. We got the rivalry trophy. We lead the series. What are you going to do about it? Nothing, so just shut the hell up! You want to hit it off this weekend? Fine. See your team there. And I'll be there to see them lose. Get some sleep. You're going to need it against my team."

Has someone ever talked about your school like this? It can mean one thing- rivalry. Locally in Houston, my former high school was Milby High School. Our hated rivals were Austin High School. The rivalry here in Houston was already played as Houston beat Rice 31-30 at Rice. The Battle for the Bluegrass was settled as Louisville would win at home over Kentucky in a blowout. Miami lost to Florida State on Labor Day. So how can it be Rivalry Week when most other teams have played already? If you notice, most of the rivalries I've talked about were mostly non-conference. A majority of rivalry games will be played this week and even next week. Because of the many rivalries, this will be a two-part deal. The marquee rivalry match this week pits two unbeatens (yes, yet another unbeaten battle for three successive weeks!)- Michigan and Ohio State. You want extreme hate? This is what makes college sports fun- rivalries. What side do you stand on for whichever team? Take a stand. Commit to one side. And play for the absolute honor of your school. Defend your school's honor in pride. Win the battle in a never-ending war.

So I want to focus in on collegiate rivalries this week. One of the big rivalry games was last weekend- #5 Auburn getting blown out by unranked Georgia.





JOHN'S EXTRAS

--- AND THE WINNER OF THE 2006 MLS CUP IS... ---
...the Houston Dynamo! The game was tied at 1-1 as the Houston Dynamo won 4-3 on place kicks. Some fans say that they hated to see the game decided on penalty kicks. All I can say is that you shouldn't be worried that a game goes to penalty kicks. In fact, it's exciting when two teams refuse to lose. Someone made an analogy on ESPN (not a soccer broadcast) that seeing a soccer game decided on penalty kicks is like a basketball game decided on free throws. I don't like saying that a game decided on penalty kicks isn't fun. Penalty kicks in soccer are just as exciting and dramatic as the game itself. And with all due respect to soccer, no one wants to see a multiple-overtime match between two teams that go on for hours and hours. It's the third title for the team formerly known as the San Jose Earthquakes. And it's about time a Texas-based or Houston-based team wins something big on an ESPN or ABC network. I usually call it the "ABC Virus" in which teams you normally think will win end up losing. And I usually thought that Houston teams normally lose on national television. But the Dynamo wins one in Houston. We thank you boys so kindly. I still probably would have liked the name "Houston 1863," "F.C. Houston," "Houston United," or whatever. But we are the Dynamo, and we are the 2006 MLS Champions!



--- PLAYOFF SEEDINGS FOR DIVISION 2 and 3 DETERMINED ---
Look for a new thread in the Football forums regarding the 2006 Postseason for all four divisions of NCAA football. I'll open a thread soon on the seedings for the playoffs in 1-AA and lower, plus I'll talk about the Bowl Game swing in 1-A. Matchups have been made, and I'll have more information on the different games.



--- HAPPY DAY FOR HOUSTON SPORTS ---
The Texans went on the road and took down Jacksonville 13-10. Houston came up with four wicked picks against the Jaguars. The team formerly known as the San Jose Quakes won the MLS title on place kicks. Finally, the Rockets blew out the Miami Heat in Miami. Yao Ming came up big against "Shaq Daddy." It was one of those times where you're proud to be a Houstonian or follow Houston sports.





The GAME OF THE WEEK for this week will be Michigan travelling to Ohio State. Other such matches include the Iron Bowl at Alabama, Kansas State at Kansas, Washington at Washington State y mucho, mucho mas (and much, much more)! We start on Tuesday with Week 12 action!

 

[FoolKiller]

"I hate your school. I hate everything about your school. Your team is crap. I go to a much better school than you. What the hell were your parents thinking sending you to that sorry ass school? My school, compared to your pathetic school, is much better. Great teachers. Lovely campus. And oh yeah- my school's team can beat the crap out of your ANY DAY OF THE WEEK! Trust me. Yeah, I'm confident. But that's only because I'm telling the truth. What? You got a problem with my school and my people? Then let's settle this on the football field! We'll whip your asses from end zone to end zone. We got the rivalry trophy. We lead the series. What are you going to do about it? Nothing, so just shut the hell up! You want to hit it off this weekend? Fine. See your team there. And I'll be there to see them lose. Get some sleep. You're going to need it against my team."

Do you have a microphone in my office?

 

[JohnBM01]

This is my usual Monday talk. You ready for a new week of commentary? Then let's do it.


Did you see my latest thread on college football? I've offered a small preview of the Bowl Season as well as the playoffs in other NCAA football divisions. That thread is the thread for you in talking about the postseason. I don't have 1-AA matchups because 1-AA brackets have not been determined to the extent of my knowledge. Use that thread to discuss this season's postseason matches. Most of the action begins this weekend in Division 2 and maybe even Divison 3 as well. Can I do business with you all?


One of the universities looking to reinstate football is Old Dominion University. They plan to get back into football by 2009. But before they lace them up and put some pads on, I wanted to offer this profile on Old Dominion University.

-Old Dominion profile
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Dominion_University

Official Name: Old Dominion University
Motto: "Changing Lives"
Established: 1930
Location: Norfolk, VA
Type: Public University in an urban setting. Has sea-grant and space-grant.
School Colors: Blue and Gray
Website: http://www.odu.edu/ ; Athletics: http://odusports.collegesports.com/

Collegiate Conference: Colonial Athletic Association (CAA will sponsor football after the Atlantic 10 is done this year)
Nickname/Mascot: Monarchs
Basketball Arena: Ted Constant Convocation Center (a.k.a. "The Ted")
Seating Capacity: 8,600

Last football season: 1940s


DID YOU KNOW...

(1.) ...that ODU was established as the Norfolk Division of The College of William and Mary?

(2.) ...that Old Dominion serves over 4,000 students in at least 50 sites in (Washington , D.C.), Arizona, Illinois, Washington, and Georgia? It is said that Virginians are no more than 50 miles away from an Old Dominion site thanks to a joint deal between ODU and the Virginia Community College system.

(3.) ...that Old Dominion's women's basketball team won three National Championships in 1979, 1980, and 1985?

(4.) ...that they were part of the Sun Belt Conference? The women's team won conference titles in 1983-1985, 1987, and 1990.

(5.) ...that Old Dominion's men's team won over four CAA titles in 1992, 1995, 1997, and 2005?


FAMOUS ALUMNI:

* Robert "Bootie" Barker - NASCAR crew chief. Used on Speed's "Bootie Call" segments during (then) Speed News.
* Cal Bowdler - former NBA player for the Atlanta Hawks. Was second-highest Monarch to be drafted. He was #17.
* Tracy Claxton - women's basketball star for Old Dominion. Was part of 1985 National Championship team.
* Chris Gatling - Highest NBA Draft pick and only NBA All-Star from Old Dominion.
* Odell Hodge - basketballer for the Euroleague. One of only four Virginia collegians in scoring 2,000 pts. and 1,000 rebounds.
* Nancy Lieberman - women's basketball star. Silver medalist in 1976 Summer Olympics and twice Wade Trophy winner. Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Also an ESPN analyst(?)
* Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers' pitcher. Right-handed.
* Mark West - NBA Basketballer. Served 17 years in NBA
* Tom DeCillo - American Film Director, Cinemtographer, and Screenwriter. Attended New York University prior to ODU.
* Chad Hugo - musician and super producer in the Neptunes. Briefly attended with a music scholarship. Did not complete academics.


That's Old Dominion. I'm looking to profile one of two schools I had in mind. As a hint, the two schools are in the northern half of America. One is in New England while the other is in the Pacific Northwest. I'll let you know which one I'll come up with in my next profile.

 

[JohnBM01]

This post will be updated with better information. Here's the short version of this post:

* Ball State at Toledo (20-17; Ball State)

Expect to see this post updated with Extras and such.

 

[JohnBM01]

I have three news bits in college football to report before Miami goes to Bowling Green State. Take a look:


COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS AND NOTES
* Butch Davis has apparently accepted the job to coach the University of North Carolina back on Monday. The North Carolina Tar Heels are 1-9. Their only win was against Furman. Last season saw Kansas make a Bowl Game in (I hate talking about this, but...) smashing Houston in the Fort Worth Bowl. UNC was once a team that could shock teams like Miami and North Carolina State. Now they're nothing. And they've BEEN nothing for a damned long time.

* Joe Paterno decided to sit out coaching Penn State's game against Temple. The 79-year old was told by doctors not to walk around for at least about five more days. He had a Hall of Fame induction scheduled for December 5th of this year. However, it's been moved to December 2007. He's still Hall of Fame material even if he isn't officially inducted. JoePa IS Penn State football.

* No more Jeff Bowden. Effective after Florida State's rivalry game against Florida, Jeff Bowden has been bought out for $537,000 to resign as offensive coordinator for the Seminoles. Jeff is the youngest son of Bobby Bowden. Jeff Bowden's legal first name is George.


Now when I get a chance, I'll record the results of Miami at Bowling Green later tonight. So stay tuned!

 

[JohnBM01]

So you decided to stay home and enjoy college football. Or perhaps you've been watching college basketball and want to read my college football reports. You came for football. So let me reward you.





WEEK 12 - TUESDAY SYNOPSIS
The big match between Ohio State vs. Michigan will take place this Saturday. That wouldn't be the only match this week in the state of Ohio as an Ohio team and Indiana team went at it.





DIVISION 1-A GAMES
"" Ball State at Toledo
The Mid-American Conference is going to see Ball State and Toledo square off. Ball State is looking to prevent Toledo from getting a win. Toledo needs two wins to be Bowl Eligible. Ball State isn't going to anybody's Bowl game anytime soon. Ball State is the alma mater of Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star (sometimes on "Pardon the Interruption"). Sadly, his Cardinals are usually one of the biggest losers in the MAC. Now on to Toledo. The University of Toledo has lovely blue colors as well as a nice gold color. Even some nice blue and gold colors for Toledo's athletics website. I think it's obvious that I love blue. I especially love rich blue colors. And if not





DIVISION 1-AA GAMES
-none reported-





Division 2 and 3 are mostly done and entering playoffs starting this weekend. Read "College Football 2006 Postseason- Before, During, and After" for coverage of the playoffs.





JOHN'S EXTRAS

--- I'VE SEEN MY FIRST-EVER MODERN UTE! ---
The first-ever modern ute I've seen is a machine not... I repeat... NOT sold in America. This ute was red with some yellow accents. It was called the Chevrolet Tornado. Let me introduce you to utes if you're not familiar with them. Here is a VERY common example for you in case you don't know- the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero. Utes are basically cars up front that have truck-like beds. Since it's not sold in America, I noted that this ute featured a license plate noting the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon.



--- OTHER NON-AMERICAN CARS I'VE SEEN BEFORE ---
Here are a few other cars I've seen registered from Mexico:

Chevrolet Tornado (seen today)
Hyundai Atos
Nissan Platina
Ford Ka
Peugeot 206 (seen about two of them)
Peugeot 307 (seen this past Monday going home from school)
2000-type Renault Clio
(a 1990s Alfa Romeo car)

Most machines I've seen either had Mexico license plates or the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon mentioned.





TOMORROW...
Miami University takes a road trip to Bowling Green State University for a showdown of Ohio schools.

 

[JohnBM01]

No cheesy intro. Let's get to the point!





WEEK 12 - WEDNESDAY SYNOPSIS
The Michigan at Ohio State game is looming near while more action takes place in the state of Ohio. This time, between two MAC rivals.





DIVISION 1-A GAMES
"Sloppy Joe's" Miami University at Bowling Green (MAC RIVALRY GAME)
Miami University took on Bowling Green State in this MAC match. They are pretty much rivals in college hockey since the two are in the same state and are pretty good. Miami University is having a horrible year. Almost made them wish that Ben Roethlisberger was still a Redhawk. But they don't have him. Trying to stay in MAC contention was Bowling Green. The Falcons are without their dynamic Omar Jacobs. So both teams have at least something to play for as the regular season winds down. ESPN2 featured this game as the field was shown off. Get this. The field conditions were absolutely horrendous. It was a windy night with mud on the football field as well as big water puddles. Players were all getting slopped around. There was also rain around as well. By night's end, I only seen one touchdown by Bowling Green. But it wasn't enough to beat Miami University. The score is like a high-scoring baseball game. (9-7; Miami University)





DIVISION 1-AA GAMES
-none reported-





JOHN'S EXTRAS

--- CHANGE OF WEATHER HERE IN HOUSTON ---
I was glad to feel cold weather again here in Houston. It was pretty cold here with all the windy weather as well as the much colder temperatures. Man, I tell you. A number of people were feeling like ice cubes with the cold air when I was at school. Winds in Houston ranged from 25 to 30 miles per hour here in Houston. One of my Government classmates joked that she thought she was in Chicago with the winds here in Houston. Temperatures weren't extremely cold as temperatures were around 70. So at least things are getting colder here.



--- EVER READ SOME OF MY PAST REPORTS? ---
I've been looking back at my posts here on GTPlanet. I've seen all kinds of past scores and comments. It's been a wild ride, guys. Now let's look at some weird stuff.



--- A SMALL ERROR... ---
GTPlanet, I profiled Old Dominion University twice. I usually try to profile a certain school only once. I guess a profile I've enjoyed looking at was about Hampton University. I was amazed with all the Georgetown alums. SO MANY PEOPLE went to Georgetown. It's almost incredible imagining how many people graduated from there. I sometimes look to profile certain universities in a form of general interest. So I honestly enjoy doing such profiles.



--- KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY TO FIELD FOOTBALL IN 2008 ---
Take a look here: < http://www.kcu.edu/template.php?area=athletics&page=k_football >. Kentucky Christian probably isn't known to many of you because it is part of the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association). So much like the Jesuit schools of Creighton and Gonzaga, Kentucky Christian is obviously very proud of its Christian heritage. Kentucky Christian is in Division 2 of the NCCAA. And get this... KCU has an enrollment of 535. That's about three or four times the number of people I've known from my high school alma mater (about 150 people). Anyhow, they will field a varsity football team in 2008. The year 2008 is also the year Campbell University tries to reinstate its football program and (I believe) Old Dominion try to get their football program into focus.



--- HOW DO RELIGIOUS-TYPE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES FUNCTION? ---
I'm going to do some reading online about this. I'm just curious as to how religious-type schools function. College basketball fans may know about more Jesuit universities and colleges than there are in football. Some Jesuit schools with football teams are Boston College, The College of the Holy Cross, Fordham University, and Georgetown University. These are among the 28 different Jesuit Colleges and Universities. I learned that one of the Jesuit schools is in Spain. I think it's St. Mary's in Spain. I will admit that I don't go to church every Sunday. I do sort of imagine how the teaching of certain religious universities are different from your average state and urban universities. You may note certain names of schools that have religious background to them. There are usually schools with Christian, Wesleyan, Baptist, or even Lutheran to them. Examples: Texas Christian. Ohio Wesleyan. Houston Baptist. Texas Lutheran. One website I looked up shown the life of a college student at a religious-type university or college.

As far as the different teaching styles at Jesuit schools, Jesuit institutions tend to believe in service to God as well as exploring our inner souls. It is said that Saint Ignatius Loyola (can you basketball types recall all the schools with "Loyola" in the name?) found God in all things. More information on St. Ignatius Loyola can be found here: < http://www.jesuit.org/sections/default.asp?SECTION_ID=187&SUBSECTION_ID=215 >. A lot of these religious colleges have some pretty deep material in education and in discovering your inner self.





--- TOMORROW... ---
More eyes will be locked on the upcoming match between Ohio State vs. Michigan. Whatever other matches I can provide for you, I'll provide them for you all. There WILL be action in juts about all Divisions while the playoffs are set to begin in Divisions 2 and 3.

 

[JohnBM01]

Let Thursday ring. It's time for college football action. It was a beautiful, sunny, chilly day here in Houston. I was listening to the weather climate summary at Bush Intercontinental Airport. The highest wind gust observed yesterday was 47 mph from the west! Probably winds that would serious throw around Kei cars or Lotus Elises around. I've seen very few clouds as the skies should be beautifully clear in me reporting these games. You ready? We got a rivalry in the Steel City.





WEEK 12 - THURSDAY SYNOPSIS
Two Big East teams clashed in Pittsburgh, PA. It will





DIVISION 1-A GAMES
"Backyard Ballin'" #8 West Virginia at Pittsburgh (RIVALRY: "Backyard Brawl")
Welcome to the Steel City. We have ourselves a rivalry, the 99th rendition of course. Pittsburgh and West Virginia went at it in this Big East battle. Pittsburgh and West Virginia just do NOT like each other. They've hated each other so long. Now it's time to settle it for the 99th time. The First Quarter West Virginia lead 14-7. Later in the Second Quarter, Pittsburgh picked up a punt and made a hell of a punt return for a touchdown. I mean, he ran from Billings, MT to Key West, FL. It was a BEAUTIFUL run. Or as Dick Vitale might say, it was "super scintillating sensational (baby!)." Pittsburgh led 27-24 in a VERY offensive-minded First Half. This was the proverbial "basketball on grass" kind of game. And it was exciting except when the Pittsburgh Panthers were basically blanked in the second half. The West Virginia Mountaineers got her done in the Steel City. Even that exciting Pittsburgh punt return for a TD wasn't enough to upset West Virginia. (45-27; #8 West Virginia)

* Akron at Ohio (17-7; OHIO)
(Ohio Clinces MAC and will play Central Michigan in MAC Championship game)





DIVISION 1-AA GAMES
* Northwestern State -Demons- at Stephen F. Austin -Lumberjacks- (20-11; STEPHEN F. AUSTIN)





JOHN'S EXTRAS

(updated for Friday)
--- PS3 LAUNCH FORTHCOMING ---

The PS3 launch will be coming up as Sony enters the next-gen wars against their Microsoft rivals.



--- LATE BREAKING NEWS: SCHEMBECKLER COLLAPSES ---
The former Michigan head coach, Bo Schembeckler has been hospitalized after collapsing during a taping of a TV show today. The anticipation of the Michigan/Ohio State game is certainly high considering this is the first unbeaten #1 vs. #2 with SERIOUS National Championship implications. Certainly it's sad to see one of the greats of college football go down like this. I hope and pray he will be alright.



--- CHAMP CAR WILL RETURN TO ESPN ---
From what I've read, the Speed Channel will not be the only one to televise Champ Car races. Instead, ESPN has signed a multi-year deal to televise Champ Car World Series action. This is quite convenient since ESPN has announced showing NASCAR on ESPN since the pathetic NBC coverage couldn't cut the mustard. Now if only ESPN could take away more NASCAR stuff from Speed Channel so that we can get back to enjoying more road racing...





FRIDAY NIGHT...
If you love the MAC conference, prepare to see two MAC games including one featuring a Heisman hopeful in Northern Illiois. I'll have scores available when I get to them and be able to report them.

 

[JohnBM01]

Almost a few minutes after I made my Thursday update, now some sad news. Bo Schembechler had died at the age of 77. During the taping of a TV show, he collapsed. This is a great loss to college football. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

 

[JohnBM01]

It's getting late here. So let me skip any synopsis and just let you know who won.





WEEK 12 - FRIDAY SYNOPSIS
There were only two MAC games as a terrific Saturday is lined up for a football nation.





DIVISION 1-A GAMES
---RAPID FIRE---
* Central Michigan at Northern Illinois (31-10; NORTHERN ILLINOIS)
* Eastern Michigan at Kent State (14-6; KENT STATE)





DIVISION 1-AA GAMES
-none reported-





JOHN'S EXTRAS
(no extras)





TOMORROW:
Michigan and Ohio State! Are you ready for this year's game? There may be some other rivalries as well, so be sure to check them all out. I'll try to kick off my playoff deals with Divisions 2 and 3. Have a GREAT weekend.

 

[Evolution.]

GO OSU!

I'll have the scores in my signature at the conclusion of each quarter.

 

[YSSMAN]

To be completely honest, I couldn't have cared less about the Michigan/OSU game...

Yeah, I'm from Michigan. Apparently because I'm from here I'm supposed to like one or the other. To be blunt, I hate Michigan, and the only other school worse than them in the Big Ten is OSU, so this isn't important to me.

Every season people on, and on, and on about this game. So what?

Okay, maybe I'm a bit jaded because my two favorite teams, Michigan State and Notre Dame, haven't done too great. I just don't like the way Michigan fans and OSU fans to prancing around week in and week out, like it is by some heavenly force that their teams always do so well. They aren't the Tigers or the Pistons who (before now) hadn't done much. Its pretty much been the same story all of my life. Either Michigan or OSU leads the Big Ten.

...And even then, last week was the big rivalry game between Central Michigan and Western Michigan. Given that I almost went to either school, and I have quite a few friends at both, I once again didn't care either way. I suppose I kinda backed Western (I had a fight with a Central friend), but even then I knew the outcome long before the game had started...

Often times when all of this happens, I'm very glad I went to the small school I'm at right now (Aquinas College, GR Michigan). We don't have a football team, and we don't have any "major" rivalries during basketball season beyond the two local Christian schools. Whoopdie doo!

[/RANT]

 

[JohnBM01]

The day of hate begins nationwide in college football. Most rivalry games are taking place this weekend. Whatever rivalry you like, I'll try to include as many of them as possible including other key matchups.





WEEK 12 - SATURDAY SYNOPSIS
Divisions 2 and 3 opened up their respective playoff series. But the key match most of America was looking to was the annual Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry game. This was among a multitude of other big rivalries including one that has been played for more than 140 times. A Top Ten school was defeated in a blowout loss while another school clinging on to BCS Bowl hopesmay have to settle for a December or January bowl match.





NOTE: As of this report, my "Last Week" thread link in my signature will be replaced by my college football postseason. Do not expect to see any Division 2 and 3 scores here.

DIVISION 1-A GAMES

--- Rivalry Road Trip ---
"Fight for All" Michigan at Ohio State (RIVALRY GAME)
Hatred. Dislike. Disgust. Nothing symbolizes pure hate like Michigan and Ohio State. It's the greatest rivalry in all of college football because so much is on the line between these two midwestern schools. This year's game is significant for two since this is the first meeting between unbeaten squads since 1975. It is also the first #1 vs. #2 match among unbeatens in the history of this long rivalry. This game even takes significance since Bo Schembechler's death yesterday really stunned the college football community. He was a classic Michigan head coach responsible for taking this rivalry to such heights as today. I personally think that Michigan may have a little incentive to play inspired football in Schembechler's passing. No doubt this is going to be a frontrunner for "Game of the Year." These games always bring out the best in all involved. Will this year's match be any different? Let's meet the two schools. The University of Michigan is playing with heavy hearts as one of their own legends passed away during a TV show taping outside of Detroit. His collapse obviously means that Michigan will need to play inspired football yet again. The Wolverines are full of heart and soul. They've played much better this season compared to last season. I didn't see this game or take my portable radio. But in the end, Ohio State remains #1. Too damn bad I didn't get to hear or see any coverage. Again. (42-39; #1 OHIO STATE)

"Alabama Iron" #15 Auburn at Alabama (RIVALRY: "Iron Bowl")
Maybe you had some breakfast this morning and learned that what you were eating had Iron in it. Iron helps give you the nutrients you need to go through each day in this dark and scary world of ours. Iron is also something two Alabama schools have (besides hate). That's right. Alabama's two biggest powers are ready to clash yet again. It's the Iron Bowl. I've heard that everything from friendships to marriages are tested in this battle. So it isn't a great feeling if you lose. I've lost some friends in my time, but it's NOTHING like when it's against rival schools. (-; #15 Auburn)

* Iowa at Minnesota (RIVALRY: For Floyd of Rosedale)
College football is so fun. You can witness some of the weirdest trophies being put up for grabs. Many of which are incredibly fun. Think of the Little Brown Jug, the Purdue Cannon, even Paul Bunyan's Axe! Now we have a pig up for grabs. So it probably isn't appropriate that I talk about tossing up a pig-skin. But it is appropriate that I introduce you to the two teams that want this lovable pig. Iowa used to be a suprise team in the Big Ten conference. They had all kinds of steam heading into the postseason. Now they've fallen apart in many of their games. The Hawkeyes still remain a great football team. They're just not having the kind of year they'd like to have. Guess what else. Neither is Minnesota. Minnesota's losing a lot of star power as most of their stars all but fizzled out. The Golden Gophers must continue shining if they want Floyd of Rosedale. And in the end, Minnesota will gladly take Floyd of Rosedale... at least until next year. (34-24; MINNESOTA)

* Washington at Washington State (RIVALRY: Battle for the Apple Cup)
Kylenhat loves his Washington squad. Let's see who wins this battle in the Emerald State. There's no New York City about it, but teams usually look to take a bite out of Washington's apples. I haven't had an apple to eat in a long while. These guys probably have plenty more to ship to fruit lovers nationwide. But just like a delicious apple (or apple pie at least), someone's going to get bitten hard with a huge loss. The Apple Cup is on the line here. Washington is slowly resurging after having a total of three wins after the past two seasons. The Washington Huskies would love nothing more but to scare their rivals out of the city of Pullman, WA. Washington State has a good team, but not an impressive one. I usually considered it an upset if Washington State beat Washington. But the way Washington's been playing as of late, it almost seems like an upset if Washington State beats Washington. The Washington State Cougars have been lovingly groomed and cared for. Now it's time to knock some heads. Washington was about to lose, but in the closing moments, Washington pulled it out to win by a field goal kick. This should make kylenhat pretty happy. (35-32; Washington)

* Kansas State at Kansas (39-20; KANSAS) *most disappointing loss nominee*
* Tennessee at Vanderbilt (RIVALRY GAME) (39-10; Tennessee)
* Indiana at Purdue (RIVALRY: "The Old Oaken Bucket"(?)) (28-19; PURDUE)
-end "Rivalry Road Trip"



--- Bluegrass Two-pack ---
* Louisiana-Lafayette at Kentucky
Time to give FoolKiller some attention. The first is for the team he loves, then the next entry is the team he HATES. Let's show some love first. The Kentucky Wildcats are likely heading to a Bowl Game near you after having a great season. Looking to end that are Louisiana-Lafayette. They headed into Commonwealth Stadium to give Kentucky a Ragin' Cajun beatdown. It was a close game, but Kentucky pulled it out. Congratulations to Kentucky for winning this game, but a little word of warning. Kentucky will need to play much more fiercer against opponents they know they can beat. I know Kentucky isn't at that Contender level yet, but part of the maturation process is to beat the teams from lesser conferences, usually by larger margins than this one. (42-40; KENTUCKY)

* South Florida at #10 Louisville
Now for the other Kentucky city that starts with "L." The South Florida Bulls didn't have enough fight in them in trying to take Louisville out of the sky. This Cardinals win makes both 1-A Kentucky schools winners. Louisville red was splashed all over the green and gold of South Florida. (31-8; #10 LOUISVILLE)

-end "Bluegrass Two-Pack"



"90 Yards to Graceland" Houston at Memphis
Houston is 8-3(?) as Memphis is 1-9. Memphis is winless in Conference USA while Houston has a chance to wrap up home field in the C-USA Championship Game. These are two schools whose nicknames are felines. So let's see who wins this cat fight in Graceland. (23-20, OT; Houston)

* Mississippi at LSU
The pathetic Mississippi Rebels led the LSU Tigers by a score of 20-7 with about nine or so minutes left in the game. Thankfully, LSU prevented an upset. (23-20, OT; #9 LOUISIANA STATE)

* #19 Virginia Tech at #14 Wake Forest
No WF touchdowns. The Demon Deacons got blasted by the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Easy money. (27-6; Virginia Tech) *most disappointing loss nominee*

(SOME) OTHER 1-A SCORES -
* Oklahoma at Baylor (36-10; Oklahoma)
* Duke at #?? Georgia Tech (49-21; GEORGIA TECH)
* #21 Maryland at #20 Boston College (38-16; BOSTON COLLEGE)
* Army at #6 Notre Dame (41-9; #6 NOTRE DAME)
* #7 Rutgers at Cincinatti (30-11; CINCINATTI) *upset!* and *most disappointing loss nominee*
* Buffalo at Wisconsin (35-3; WISCONSIN)
* Utah State at Boise State (49-1?; #1? BOISE STATE)
* Western Carolina at Florida (62-0; FLORIDA) *ownage nominee*
* Miami at Virginia (17-7; VIRGINIA)
* Temple at Navy (42-6; NAVY)
* California at USCal (23-9; SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
* Middle Tennessee State at South Carolina (52-7; SOUTH CAROLINA)
* #5 Arkansas at Mississippi State (28-14; Arkansas)
* San Diego State at TCU (52-0; TEXAS CHRISTIAN)
* North Carolina State at North Carolina (23-9; NORTH CAROLINA)









DIVISION 1-AA GAMES
The 1-AA ranks are no stranger to rivalries. If you're in college football, you know you hate at least one school. We begin with one of the biggest in 1-AA in the most played rivalry in all of college football- Lehigh and Lafayette.

"Never Gets Older" Lehigh at Lafayette
This is the most played rivalry in college football. Lehigh University and Lafayette College have been playing each other for something of about 140 years. They are both part of the Patriot League. Nothing is more American than a heated rivalry between two schools playing America's game. Now we meet the two schools head-to-head. Lehigh University can be found in Pennsylvania and in the city of Easton(?). The skies are usually friendly to them because they are the Lehigh Mountainhawks. These 'hawks are willing and ready to make some magic on the gridiron. The Mountainhawks saw some cats prance on the football field as they were looking down on the football field. Those cats happen to be felines generations of Mountainhawks have seen- Lafayette College. These kittens are known as the Leopards. The boys of Bethlehem, PA are the home site to this huge rivalry match. Do you ever think they would stop bashing each others' brains in by now? Apparently not. You play as hard as humanly possible as long as possible. Play, or go home. So let's see who gets it done in this long-running rivalry. (49-27; LAFAYETTE)

"THE Game?" Yale at #25 Harvard (RIVALRY: "The Game")
Michigan at Ohio State was the key rivalry this week. However, there is only one game in 1-AA simply known as "The Game." This is one of the few rivalries told to be not based on extreme hate. This is a gentleman rivalry. Let's see which of these universities for overly smart people got it done. In the end, Yale alum were proud to see the Yale Bulldogs win it all. The Harvard Crimson were simply embarrased. One of those Yale alum may sound very familiar- a guy named... George W. Bush? (34-13; Yale) *upset!*

"Montana Kicks Butte!" #14 Montana State at #4 Montana (RIVALRY: Brawl of the Wild)
This game is known as the Brawl of the Wild. I'm not sure if any brawls occured, but there was simply a lot of footballs tossed and wide receivers getting whacked by free safties. Let's see who won this gtidiron match in one of the few states you don't really hear about. Montana State is based in Bozeman, MT. Yeah. They know what the Brawl of the Wild is all about, especially since they are the Fighting Bobcats. Montana State is going up againts a great football team with Montana. The Montana Grizzlies have been to the top of the mountain before. And they want to do it all over again against their hated rivals. Montana remains unbeaten at home- 5-0 worth! (13-7; MONTANA)


--- Beatdown Pack ---
* Southern Utah at #8 Southern Illinois (59-0; #8 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS)
* Savannah State at #12 Cal Poly (55-0; #12 CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNICAL)

-end "Beatdown Pack"


--- A Tale of Two Kentuckys ---
* Tennessee Tech at Eastern Kentucky (20-3; EASTERN KENTUCKY)
* Austin Peay at Western Kentucky (24-14; WESTERN KENTUCKY)

-end "A Tale of Two Kentuckys"


* #7 Illinois State at #18 Northern Iowa (38-27; #18 NORTHERN IOWA) *upset!*
* #16 South Dakota State at #3 North Dakota State (RIVALRY GAME) (41-28; #3 NORTH DAKOTA STATE)
* Georgetown at Fordham (38-30; FORDHAM)
* Winston-Salem at Norfolk State (31-14; NORFOLK STATE) <<< W-S are known as the Rams
* Texas Southern at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (42-31; ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF)
* Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado (54-3; Northern Arizona)



Again, Division 2 and 3 will be covered soon in my postsesason thread.





JOHN'S WINNERS AND LOSERS

BIGGEST WIN(S) OF THE WEEK
#19 Virginia Tech Let #14 Wake Forest Know What Time it is - Virginia Tech outclassed Wake Forest in this match. The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest didn't manage a single touchdown. This is NOT the way you want to represent yourself if you're trying to be top dog in the ACC. Virginia Tech gets my game ball for this win.

MOST DISAPPOINTING LOSS(ES) OF THE WEEK
(tie) North Carolina Defeats North Carolina State in Blowout - This is a feel sad story. North Carolina State would usually punish North Carolina. But not today. Oh no. The Wolfpack were spayed and neutered by North Carolina in a 23-9 beating. North Carolina State has turned from a contender into a pretender. I wouldn't be surprised if "Help Wanted" signs are posted around NC State's athletics department. It's possible, but you just CAN'T lose to North Carolina! Damn it to hell!
(tie) Kansas State Loses to Kansas - It's a sad loss if you come from a major conference and lose to bad teams in big conferences. Kansas State has fallen down the tubes since they used to be #6 in the nation in playing against Ohio State (2003 or 2004). The Governor's Cup goes to the pathetic Kansas squad.

UPSET(S) OF THE WEEK (if any)
Rutgers Doesn't Play Like a #7 Team - In a 30-11 loss, Rutgers has fallen from the unbeaten ranks. So probably ends their chances of being the ultimate Cinderella. But at least Rutgers is playing real football and winning at it. Some things weren't meant to be sometimes.

OWNAGE(S) OF THE WEEK
Florida Feasts on Western Carolina - The Florida Gators had a good lunch by ripping apart Western Carolina. So...

Western Carolina = OWNED (by Florida 62-0)!





JOHN'S EXTRAS

--- THE PS3 IS HERE!!! ---

I been to a Wal-Mart in Pearland, TX (just south of Houston). And I saw two displays- one with the capabilities of the PS3 and some games to go with it, and then one stand with a PS3 unit ready to go. The differences among the controllers seem pretty much like the PS2 version. Only that there's the little PlayStation logo as a button. It's responsible for restarting the system, quitting a game, and that sort of thing. I got used to the controller and the graphics for when I played "NBA 07" and "Motorstorm." Motorstorm is an insane game I think Burnout types will enjoy with some intense crashes and wicked action. The PS3 units even had video demos of certain games. I was amazed with the F1 World Championship video. My favorite part of it were the rain effects from the in-car view. You can actually note the tire grooves while in the wet. The rain on the lens was streaking off the lens as the cars were going at full speed. Most of the details were amazing for most PS3 games. If you find a display with a PS3 unit installed and ready for play, go play it. And Microsoft? Be warned. You're not the only next-gen performer up on the market.





Thank you for your reading. May God bless all of you. And one last time, you will be remembered and loved, Bo Schembechler.

 

[Kylehnat]

Washington was about to lose, but in the closing moments, Washington pulled it out to win by a field goal kick. This should make kylenhat pretty happy. (35-32; Washington)

And how! Not only is it good to beat the rednecks from Pullman, I have several co-workers who went to WSU and were talking trash all week. Now the tables will turn . Insults like "How could you lose to a team that lost to Stanford?", "Thanks for stopping our 6 game losing streak", and "How does it feel to get bounced from the Dairy Queen Dilly Bar Bowl?". I can't tell you how awesome this win is .

And for the record, Washington apples >> all other apples. I feel sorry for those who are forced to settle for those bland Japanese fujis or those weaksauce New Zealand galas.

 

[JohnBM01]

I'm sorry I misspelled your screenname. Anyhow, this is a feel-good win for Washington. It's always nice to beat a school you hate. I think Washington is slowly getting better. They may even wind up being a Pac-10 dark horse. Trouble is, they got to deal with the main powers like Southern California, an emerging Oregon team, California, and teams like that. I wanted to include Arizona State, but I'm not sure as to how they are doing against their Territorial Cup rivals against Arizona. Good job to your Huskies.

And this is all I want to do, people. Share scores, offer your own comments, then I'll offer mine. Keep the replies coming!

 

[Kylehnat]

I didn't even notice it was mis-spelled until you mentioned it just now .

The Huskies are still a ways off. They haven't done a great job of recruiting big talent, and it shows when they play a USC or Oklahoma.

 

[fatman_5050]

The atmosphere at the OSU-Michigan game was the best that I have ever been in. Last year I would have said that nothing could ever beat OSU-Texas under the lights, but this game just blew me away. And there was a lot more enthusiasm from the fans than I've seen in previous OSU-Mich games.
It's just too bad that I got a headache part way through and had to turn down my enthusiasm a bit just so it didn't feel like a jackhammer pounding on my head the rest of the game.

 

[JohnBM01]

I still wished I could see the game on TV or listen to my portable radio. Maybe it's just me, but it seems a bit cheap showing the game on ABC using ESPN stuff. No more ABC Sports. It's now "ESPN on ABC." Still seems pretty cheap. This Michigan/Ohio State game was anything but cheap. Big ups to Ohio State and Michigan for another classic rivalry game.

 

[FoolKiller]

* Louisiana-Lafayette at Kentucky
Time to give FoolKiller some attention. The first is for the team he loves, then the next entry is the team he HATES. Let's show some love first. The Kentucky Wildcats are likely heading to a Bowl Game near you after having a great season. Looking to end that are Louisiana-Lafayette. They headed into Commonwealth Stadium to give Kentucky a Ragin' Cajun beatdown. It was a close game, but Kentucky pulled it out. Congratulations to Kentucky for winning this game, but a little word of warning. Kentucky will need to play much more fiercer against opponents they know they can beat. I know Kentucky isn't at that Contender level yet, but part of the maturation process is to beat the teams from lesser conferences, usually by larger margins than this one. (42-40; KENTUCKY)

I wish there was something good to say about this game, but there isn't. The margin of victory is two points. This margin was not won by a defensive play or an offensive lead. It came when Louisianne screwed up the hike for a punt where the punter was in their own endzone. The punter got the ball and juggled it until Kentucky dfensive players broke through the line and then just swatted it out of the back of the endzone for a safety. THAT play was the margin of victory. How sad. Had it been a traditional QB sack in the endzone for a safety I woudl have felt a lot better, but know it was all because a punter had butterfingers and then was smart enough keep the Kentucky defense away from the ball.

We have Tennessee next week and then a bowl game. The kind of play we saw this week will not win either game.